3D/2D Camera Module With Single-Cable Power And Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems require complex connections and energy supply for camera modules, making them unsuitable for compact and easy integration in industrial applications, especially in areas difficult to access like end-of-arm applications.
Innovation Solution
A single connection cable is used for both energy supply and data transmission between a camera module and an evaluation module, integrating a time-of-flight-based 3D image sensor and a 2D camera, allowing for compact design and simplified connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple connection cables are used for energy supply and data transmission, then reliable energy supply and data transmission are ensured, but the connection complexity and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (energy supply and data transmission) into a single connection cable. The cable includes power supply lines for providing electrical energy and data transmission lines for bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for separate cables and reducing connection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection cable is designed as a multi-functional universal interface that simultaneously handles power delivery and bidirectional data communication. This single cable serves multiple purposes: supplying energy to the camera module, transmitting image data from the sensor to the evaluation module, and sending control signals from the evaluation module to the sensor.
2Power
If processing functions are integrated in the camera module, then data processing capability is improved, but energy consumption and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image data processing function from the camera module and relocates it to the evaluation module. The camera module is designed to perform only minimal processing (analog-to-digital conversion and packet formation), while the evaluation module handles the computationally intensive tasks of image reconstruction and evaluation, reducing energy consumption in the camera module.
3Productivity
If processing functions are integrated in the camera module, then processing speed is improved, but the camera module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts bulky processing components from the camera module and places them in the evaluation module. This extraction allows the camera module to maintain a compact form factor while the evaluation module, which has unlimited space constraints, handles the complex processing functions including image reconstruction from raw sensor data.
4Ease of operation
If a single connection cable is used for energy supply and data transmission, then connection simplicity and compact design are improved, but energy availability and data transmission capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power supply and data transmission functions into a single cable infrastructure. The cable includes dedicated power lines capable of delivering sufficient energy to the camera module and dedicated data lines providing bidirectional communication capability, achieving both connection simplicity and adequate power/data capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration simplifies the connection and reduces the size of the camera module, enhances energy efficiency, and facilitates integration in challenging environments by ensuring seamless data and power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the camera module comprises a time-of-flight-based 3D image sensor for generating 3D image data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an imaging system comprising at least one camera module and one evaluation module, wherein the camera module comprises a time-of-flight-based 3D image sensor for generating 3D image data and a 2D camera for generating 2D image data, wherein the camera module and the evaluation module are connected to one another via only one connection cable, wherein an energy supply of the camera module takes place via the connection cable and the camera module is configured to transmit the 3D image data and the 2D image data to the evaluation module via the connection cable, wherein the evaluation module is configured to process the 3D image data and the 2D image data.